T&T: Diesel Fuel return rate, aka Fuel Polishing

[Jim Ague]

After years of observation, I think my Perkins 135 burns about 2.25 GPH at
2050 RPM and returns about .75 GPH back to the tank, meaning it pulls 3.0 GPH
from the tank and consumes only 2.25 GPH. Seems reasonable. Observations made
when the engine was taking from one tank and returning to the other.

However the Onan 6.5kW generator burns only .75 GPH, but returns a huge
amount, 8.0 GPH. You cannot believe how quickly I moved a large quantity of
diesel from the Stbd tank to the Port tank one evening as the remains of
Ernesto passed over Annapolis.

Why would these two engines have such different return rate characteristics?

For Hans, quick and easy way to correct a listing situation.

For Cap'n Will, who needs an expensive fuel polishing system? Just use the
Gen.

-- Jim
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Jim & Rita Ague
M/V Derreen, Monk 36
lying Galesville, MD, with WiFi in the air and listening to the Gen polish the
Stbd fuel
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